MILLICENT HUNGWE
The Environmental Management Agency (EMA) has applauded Empress Mine in Mashava for demonstrating outstanding commitment to sustainable mining.
This came out during a media tour held on Tuesday at the thriving environmentally compliant mine.
The tour revealed that Empress Mine has become a model of environmental excellence through its progressive rehabilitation of mined-out areas, solid waste management initiatives, and strong effluent water management systems.
EMA officials noted that the mine has been consistently adhering to the conditions of its Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA), placing it among the province’s leading centers of environmental responsibility.
EMA Masvingo Provincial Manager Milton Muusha emphasized that responsible mining requires continuous action rather than delayed efforts.
“We’ve seen situations where investors abandon mining sites once resources are exhausted, leaving rehabilitation burdens to government and communities,” Muusha said.
“Responsible mining means continuous rehabilitation—starting from the moment mining begins, not waiting until the end.
Environmental stewardship is a collective responsibility shared by government, industry, communities, and the media,” he added.
Empress Mine holds a 160-hectare claim. Of this, 80 hectares have already been mined out, and an impressive 43 hectares have undergone full rehabilitation, aligning with EMA’s statutory requirements.
EMA officials conducted the visit to verify and appreciate the visible progress, confirming the mine’s ongoing commitment to restoring land affected by both open-cast and shaft mining operations.
Effluent water management was a key area of focus during the assessment.
Improper disposal of toxic chemicals used in mineral processing has historically affected communities across the country.
EMA examined how Empress Mine handles tailings to ensure underground and surface water remains uncontaminated, safeguarding humans, livestock, and wildlife.
To prevent accidental access to hazardous zones, The Mid-Week Watch observed that the entire mining area is surrounded by a large protective trench, designed to stop animals from entering mining pits or drinking contaminated water.
The mine has also converted former pits into underground water storage dams, a move praised by EMA’s Education and Publicity Officer Munyaradzi Mtisi.
“It is all part of converting pits into storage dams, which not only conserves water but also prevents illegal mining activities that often leave dangerous holes and environmental damage,” Mtisi noted.
Mining Director Jiu Long Zhang reaffirmed the company’s commitment to restoring mined land.
“As part of our policy, we are going to plant trees on rehabilitated sites to ensure long-term environmental protection,” he said.
Mining Manager Richman Zvabvirepi added that the company remains dedicated to maintaining responsible mining practices across the entire operation.
EMA officials used the tour to encourage continued collaboration with the media, who play a critical role in highlighting both progress and areas needing improvement.
“We must highlight both successes and gaps in environmental management so that other miners can learn and improve. As EMA, our motto remains: Together, protecting the environment,” said Muusha.
The agency concluded by thanking journalists for their efforts in raising environmental awareness throughout the year and called for strengthened partnerships in 2026.
